NITRATE OF SILVER
The only preparation of silver requiring notice is the nitrate—lunar caustic, or lapis infernalis. It acts as a powerful corrosive. If administered for some time in small doses it is deposited in the skin, which acquires a permanent dark colour. It does not appear to be eliminated by the urine, and has been discovered in the liver five months after its administration was discontinued.
The symptoms come on immediately, the vomited matters becoming blackened on exposure to light. The dark spots on the skin will also help to point to the nature of the poison. A dose of salt and water may be given by way of treatment.
VULNERANT
GLASS, ENAMEL, AND NEEDLES
None of the above can be considered as poisons; but should they be taken, they give rise in most cases to irritation of the stomach and bowels. Pins and needles have been swallowed without doing much harm. Mixing ground-glass in food is a favourite mode of killing adopted by the West Indian negroes.